Cuisine of Italy

Cuisine of Italy

Country or region	Various
Country or region	Italy

Italian cuisine is the culinary tradition originating from Italy. Renowned for its regional diversity, especially between the north and the south of the Italian peninsula, it offers an abundance of taste, and is one of the most popular and copied in the world. It is characterized by its simplicity, with many dishes having only two to four main ingredients. Italian cooks rely chiefly on the quality of the ingredients rather than on elaborate preparation.

Ingredients

Key ingredients in Italian cuisine include tomato, olive oil, and cheese. Italian cuisine is also known for its use of a diverse variety of pasta, which comes in numerous shapes and sizes. Ingredients and dishes vary by region. Northern regions often use more rice and butter, while southern regions and the islands use more tomato and olive oil.

History

The history of Italian cuisine can be traced back to ancient times. Significant changes occurred with the discovery of the New World and the introduction of potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, and maize, now central to the cuisine but not introduced in quantity until the 18th century.

Regional dishes

Italian cuisine is also known for its regional diversity. Each of the 20 regions of Italy has its own distinctive cuisine, which reflects its history and culture. For example:

• Risotto and Polenta are more common in the north.
• Pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces are typical in the south.
• Pizza, originating from Naples, is a popular dish worldwide.

Courses

Typically, an Italian meal consists of three or four courses. Meals tend to be lengthy, sometimes lasting over several hours. A typical meal might include:

• Antipasto (appetizer)
• Primo (first course) - usually a hot dish like pasta, risotto, gnocchi, polenta, or soup.
• Secondo (second course) - the main dish, which is usually fish or meat.
• Contorno (side dish) - this is usually a salad or cooked vegetables.
• Dolce (dessert)

Wine

Italian wine is a significant aspect of the cuisine, with a long tradition that dates back to the Roman era. Italy is one of the world's largest producers of wine, including major varieties such as Chianti and Barolo.

Coffee

Espresso is a significant aspect of Italian culture and cuisine. Typically, it is enjoyed after a meal.

See also

• Mediterranean cuisine
• European cuisine